by arthur Weinreb,
January 5, 2005
While Canadians across the country are opening their wallets to the victims of the tsunamis in South asia, Toronto City Council is arguing amongst themselves over whether or not to donate money to the victims of what is one of, if not the worst natural disasters in history.
Long time councillor, Michael Walker is preparing a motion to provide $1 million to go to the devastated areas. But at the time of this writing, Mayor David Miller is refusing to send money to the affected region.
Yes, the city has donated water treatment supplies which can bring clean drinking water to thousands of people. and Jolly Saint David is making a list and probably checking it twice, of people in the city (read unionized employees) who have special skills that could be used in the devastated area. But no money. Miller is using the excuse that the money would constitute foreign aid and that is a federal matter. What bunk.
If all those people who are calling the Red Cross and other charitable organizations with credit cards in their hands thought like Miller did, they would refuse to make donations, not wishing to intrude on federal matters. Miller’s excuse, like most of his council, is lame.
Even Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, who is still blaming the previous Tory government for his inability to meet his election promises, pledged $5 million of money that the province desperately needs to go to the affected areas. McGuinty did the right thing and no one will hold it against him if he, for example, would chop the $5 million off of the money that he’s promised for health care and education. and the premier doesn’t seem to be to be bothered by the fact that providing money for the starving and homeless people in South asia might be trenching upon the federal government’s foreign aid jurisdiction.
But there will be no cash coming from the city of Toronto unless council votes for it. and despite Mike Walker’s noble efforts, there are too many Miller toadies at City Hall to make earmarking $1 million for the tragedy a reality.
The water purification equipment, according to the city’s website, is going to Sri Lanka. Who decided Sri Lanka? Why not Indonesia or Thailand? Well, if someone was really cynical, they would think that Miller is playing politics. after all, there are a lot more immigrants in Toronto from Sri Lanka than there are from Banda aceh.
Miller’s idea about making a list of people who have special skills to help in the area, as a famous former mayor might say, "is nuts". There is no indication that there is currently a manpower shortage in the affected areas. The immediate difficulties are the inability of these workers to reach the affected areas. Besides, if those who are responsible for keeping Toronto clean are going to be sent to clean up parts of South asia, sending them would be counterproductive. What makes Miller think that he knows best when it comes to the type of skills that are needed in each particular affected area?
Miller has been even been criticized by some of his fellow travellers on the left. activist writer June Callwood called on Miller to take a more active role and have a "Giuliani moment". Giuliani, in addition to showing leadership in the wake of 9/11 also cleaned up the city of New York and oversaw a dramatic reduction in crime. Miller has less interest in those issues than he does in sending money to asia. Miller’s name shouldn’t even appear in the same sentence as Giuliani’s. David Miller is no Rudy Giuliani; he’s not even a Mel Lastman (who, despite his shortcomings, would have been quick off the mark with sending city cash).
David Miller is a selfish, selfish man who puts spending Toronto’s money on pet projects for his union buddies and special interest groups ahead of this great humanitarian tragedy. Miller’s refusal to send money should be remembered by the thousands of Toronto donors when the next election rolls around.
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